1999 Dolley Madison Commemorative Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1999 Dolley Madison Commemorative Dollar is a United States commemorative dollar. Authorized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Dolley Madison's death in 1849, this dollar was the first U.S. coin to portray a First Lady. Dolley Madison served as hostess for President Thomas Jefferson (a widower) and later as First Lady during her husband James Madison's presidency. She is famous for saving George Washington's portrait from the White House before the British burned it in 1814. The obverse features a portrait of First Lady Dolley Madison bordered by Cape Jasmines, her favorite flowers, in front of Montpelier's ice house, while the reverse displays Montpelier, the Madison estate, surrounded by willow trees and foliage. Designed by T. James Ferrell/Thomas D. Rogers. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Dolley Madison dollar holds the historic distinction of being the first U.S. coin to feature a First Lady, and its elegant design elements make it one of the most refined modern commemoratives.
